On February 4, the United States Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that a tropical disturbance, had developed within the Australian region about 1,285 km (800 mi) to the west of New Caledonia.

[1] The disturbance was starting to develop a low-level circulation, which was accompanied by fragmented atmospheric convection, along a frontal boundary that extended across the Cape York Peninsula and the Coral Sea.

[1] Over the next couple of days, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) and the Fiji Meteorological Service (FMS) started to monitor the poorly organized system as Tropical Low 18U and Tropical Disturbance 08F, as it moved eastwards within the frontal boundary towards Vanuatu and the South Pacific basin.

As Cyclone Dovi moved through Vanuatu, heavy rainfall was observed which resulted in major flash flooding.

Lower atmospheric pressure increased sea levels in Tafea Province simultaneously with annual high tides.

Following Dovi, authorities warned of potential outbreaks of foodborne and waterborne illnesses due to the storm, encouraging families to boil water and wash fruits and vegetables prior to consumption.

[12] On Norfolk Island, the BOM issued a tropical cyclone warning on February 11 due to the threat of strong winds and heavy rainfall from Dovi.

Vector Limited made preparations for Dovi and advised residents to keep their devices charged and to keep a power bank and torch handy.

[22] The extratropical remnants of Cyclone Dovi caused heavy rainfall over New Zealand, peaking at 6 inches (150 mm) in Kelburn.

[24] Ferries across the Cook Strait were cancelled due to the threat of strong wind gusts and large swells.

[23] First responders received more than 300 emergency calls due to severe weather from Dovi, mostly related to downed trees and power lines.

Flooding overtopped the banks of the Waipoua River, combined with downed trees causing road closures in Wairarapa.

A large pōhutukawa tree fell and blocked a highway south of Ōakura, taking 15 to 20 people to clear the road.

The lee breakwater at Port Taranaki was shut down to the public, however, crowds still gathered nearby to view large swells.

Rocks and other debris were scattered across a parking lot in the area and minor damage was reported to jetties and boat ramps.

A total of 12 crews were deployed to responds to major storm-related incidents such as blocked roads and those involving vehicles and homes.

[29] Several COVID-19 testing sites were either moved indoors or closed, the Auckland Zoo ceased operations, and ferries were cancelled for roughly an hour.

Dovi and previous severe weather events impacted farmland on South Island, causing damage to infrastructure, paddocks, and barn structures.

Hundreds of residents north of Westport were stranded after State Highway 67 was blocked due to infrastructure damage and landslides; aid was delivered to the area by helicopter.

[31] The Government of New Zealand classified Cyclone Dovi as an adverse weather event and allocated $200,000 of funding for relief efforts.